Standing before a federal judge, a court appointed attorney described Richard B. Grundy III — whom police have called the leader of a violent drug gang — as a benevolent citizen.

Grundy has bought Christmas presents for families the last three years, said Grundy's attorney Kenneth Riggins. He's donated turkeys on Thanksgiving. He's bought basketball uniforms for youth sports teams.

Riggins presented his arguments Monday during a hearing in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to determine whether Grundy would remain jailed while his recently filed drug case proceeds.

"He's deeply involved in the community," said Riggins. "He's been engaged with the community."

Brad Blackington, chief of the Drug and Violent Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s office, countered that Grundy, 28, represented a danger to the community. He cited previous murder charges — which were dismissed — and a battery charge.

Inside the home, Blackington said, authorities found what they believed to be heroin, marijuana, two digital scales, four loaded guns and $7,300 in cash, including $4,000 and the controlled substance Suboxone found on Grundy.

The alleged drug conspiracy started, the prosecutor added, while Grundy was facing unrelated drug charges in Marion County. Blackington told the judge Grudy's involvement continued after he pleaded guilty to a felony count of dealing marijuana and was placed on probation.

After a brief recess, Magistrate Judge Mark J. Dinsmore cited Grundy's criminal history and his potential for a mandatory life sentence as reasons for keeping him jailed while awaiting trial.

One of Grundy's co-defendants, 18-year-old Thomas Bullock, also appeared for the detention hearing.

In arguing for Bullock's detention, Blackington noted his juvenile record, which includes arrests connected to drugs, guns and resisting law enforcement. As an adult, Bullock also has been arrested and released in an illegal gun case in Marion County and a stolen gun case in Hamilton County, Ohio, Blackington said.

"He's thumbed his nose at two other jurisdictions," Blackington said. "I just ask this court not be the third one."

Bullock, who is accused of serving as a drug runner for a gang led by Grundy, also will remain jailed while awaiting trial.

From about June to November, according to federal indictments, the gang bought methamphetamine from Phoenix, stored it in stash houses in Indianapolis and distributed it throughout the area. The group also dealt heroin and marijuana, investigators say.

Grundy is accused of leading the gang. Investigators say Grundy combined his money with at least two co-defendants to buy meth from Arizona.

A third co-defendant, 22-year-old Frank Early, appeared Monday but his detention hearing was continued to Thursday.

Most defendants would face up to life in prison if convicted, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

If convicted, Bullock would face 10 years to life and Grundy would face 20 years to life.